Claw & Hammer Toes

Claw and hammer toes develop due to imbalance of muscles, ill-fitting shoes, or underlying conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Early use of proper footwear, exercises, and orthotics can help, while surgery may be needed in advanced cases.


Causes

  • Muscle imbalance in the foot (tight flexor muscles overpower weaker extensors).
  • Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes (especially high heels or narrow shoes).
  • Injury or trauma to toes.
  • Neurological conditions (diabetes, stroke).
  • Arthritis (rheumatoid or osteoarthritis).
  • Genetic predisposition and flat feet or high arches.

Symptoms

  • Toes bent abnormally at the middle joint (hammer toe) or both joints (claw toe).
  • Pain or discomfort while walking, especially in shoes.
  • Corns and calluses on the top or tip of toes due to friction.
  • Redness, swelling, and stiffness in the affected toes.
  • In severe cases, open sores or ulcers (especially in diabetics).
  • Difficulty straightening toes even when not wearing shoes.

Treatments

Conservative Management:

  • Proper footwear: wide toe box, low heels, soft insoles.
  • Toe exercises: stretching, picking objects with toes, towel curls.
  • Splints or pads: to keep toes in correct position.
  • Orthotics: custom shoe inserts to correct imbalance.
  • Pain management: anti-inflammatory medicines, ice packs.

Surgical Treatment (if severe or persistent):

  • Tendon release or lengthening to relieve tightness.
  • Joint fusion or resection to correct deformity.
  • Implants or fixation devices to stabilize toe alignment.